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Google Doubles Down on Linux and Open Source (zdnet.com)

Posted by msmash on from the how-about-that dept.

Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, writing for ZDNet: Google couldn't exist without Linux and open-source software. While you may not think of Google as a Linux company in the same way as you do Canonical, Red Hat, or SUSE, it wouldn't be the search and advertising giant it is today without Linux. So, it makes sense that Google is moving up from its Silver membership in The Linux Foundation, to the Platinum level. With this jump in status, Google gets a seat on the Foundation's board of directors. This position will be filled by Sarah Novotny, the head of open source strategy for Google Cloud Platform. Earlier this week, Chinese tech giant Tencent joined the Linux Foundation as a platinum member.

3 of 162 comments (clear)

  1. Microsoft by darkain · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Why do I get the feeling this is less about Google doubling-down on Open Source / Linux, and has more to do with the fact they don't want to be out-done by Microsoft, who is already a Platinum level member. This is just more of a corporate pissing contest.

    1. Re:Microsoft by Cassini2 · · Score: 5, Interesting

      If you are Google it pays to purchase some cheap insurance against Microsoft doing something that could screw you.

      Once you get to Google, Microsoft, Apple size, then you need people on all the key committees. These people purchase connections and goodwill. When an important decision comes up, you have the connections and goodwill to ensure it goes your way.

  2. I'll believe it when... by sremick · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ...we finally get a Linux client for Google Drive.